Workers > Getting better > Why focus on returning to work?

Why focus on returning to work?

Having a work-related injury or illness can have a big impact on your life and what you are able to do. For a short time at least, you may not be able to do what you used to do, either at work or at home.

A lot of research has been done about how important work is to people, and the impact not working has on our wellbeing and general health*.

If you’ve been off work for a while, you might be feeling isolated from your workmates and the routine of your job. I t’s really important to keep focused on returning to work and normal life. We know from studies that the longer people are off work, the less likely it is they will return.

Being at work also helps a person’s sense of self esteem, morale and productivity – no one enjoys being in limbo for weeks or months at a time.

Staying active is important too – we now know that the old-fashioned advice of bed rest and staying at home until you’re completely well often isn’t the best therapy and could even prolong your injury.

Easing back into the job – even if you’re not fully recovered – can help you get better sooner. If your doctor has cleared you for a partial return to work, you may be able to go back to your old job doing fewer hours, or to a modified or new role, until you are well enough to return to your usual routine.

An injury in the workplace affects a lot of people – your family, your boss and your workmates. Your employer has a vitally important part to play in helping you return to work, so stay in touch and talk to them about your options.

The WorkCover system is here to help support your recovery and return to work and normal life.

* References: Gerdtham & Johannesson, Journal of Health Economics 22, 2003; Engelmen, Engelmen & Patrick, riZx Inc. quoting Hartford nsurance Group; WorkCover claims data 2005

How an early return to work can help you

  • Returning to work after an injury or illness is part of the process of recovery. It can help you stay active, reduces your risk of chronic pain and speeds recovery.
  • The longer you stay away from work, the less likely you are to return. Employment status has been linked to people's wellbeing and long-term health.
  • By continuing your work, even if it is reduced hours or alternative duties, you are benefiting from rehabilitation opportunities, support networks and social contact, responsibility, familiarity and routine. Working is part of a normal lifestyle. There are many benefits for your employer as well.
  • If you do not return to work within three months, research has shown that you have a much lesser chance of returning at all – one study showed that after a year off work due to injury or illness, the probability of returning was only 25%*.

    * References: Gerdtham & Johannesson, Journal of Health Economics 22, 2003; Engelmen, Engelmen & Patrick, riZx Inc. quoting Hartford Insurance Group; WorkCover claims data 2005

Did you know?

Your weekly payments of income maintenance are made at a rate equal to your average weekly earnings in the 12 months prior to your injury. The WorkCover Scheme pays this amount for the first 13 weeks. At 13 weeks there is a reduction in payments to 90%, followed by a further reduction to 80% at 26 weeks.

If you are still receiving weekly income maintenance payments after 130 weeks, you are required to undergo an assessment - known as a work capacity review - to determine whether you are well enough to return to work, either full-time or part-time. If you are seriously injured, your weekly payments may continue until retirement age.

For more on weekly payments visit Weekly payments, and on work capacity reviews, visit Work capacity reviews.

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